The Aortic Program at Jersey City Medical Center

Jersey City Medical Center's aortic program takes a comprehensive approach to the treatment of aortic aneurysms, providing you with a clinical team dedicated to building an individualized, customized treatment program. The team consists of:

• Vascular and cardiovascular surgeons with more than two decades experience in complex aortic aneurysm repairs
• Nurse navigator to assist in scheduling appointments and diagnostic testing
• Dieticians to partner with you to reach dietary and wellness goals
• Genetic counselors to examine possible genetic and familial associated causes of aortic aneurysm
• Radiologists who specialize in cardiac imaging

Aortic Aneurysm Treatment

• Surveillance. Our center uses evidence based medicine and best practice protocols to follow your aneurysm over time. The frequency of your appointments and diagnostic testing will be determined by the size of your aneurysm and your specific clinical risk factors.
• Stent placement. This is the most common approach to repairing an aortic aneurysm. In most cases, this is a same day procedure.
• Surgery. Open surgical repair methods include:
  • Aortic root replacement
  • Ascending and arch replacement
  • Descending and thoracoabdominal repairs
  • Hybrid stent open techniques

What Is an Aortic Aneurysm?

An aortic aneurysm is a weakened section of the upper part of the aorta, the body's main artery, that causes an enlargement or the aorta. They are often found in the abdomen (abdominal aortic aneurysm) or in your chest cavity (thoracic aortic aneurysm).

This overstretched and bulging area can burst, resulting in serious bleeding that can lead to serious complications, including death. It can also develop a tear (dissection) in the aorta wall. The goal of medical treatment is to prevent your aneurysm from growing and intervening before it dissects or ruptures.

Aortic Aneurysms Risk Factors

• Family history of aortic aneurysms
• History of high blood pressure or atherosclerosis
• Medical or family history of any connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan’s syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome or amyloidosis.
• History of previous aortic aneurysm repair. Approx. 30% of patients with a previous repair will require another repair in their lifetime.

Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms

Very often individuals with an aortic aneurysm will not experience symptoms, but as the aneurysm gets larger it may begin to cause discomfort when it presses on surrounding organs.

When located in the abdomen, symptoms may include general pain or a pulsing feeling in the abdomen; and/or discomfort in the chest, sides and/or lower back that may spread down into the legs. Symptoms are similar for a thoracic aneurysm, but may also include coughing, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath and/or chest pain.

If an aortic aneurysm bursts, there is typically a sudden drop in blood pressure and intense pain. Without urgent medical treatment, death will occur.

What to Expect From Aortic Aneurism Treatment a Jersey City Medical Center

If an aortic aneurysm is suspected, a specialist will take your medical history and family history, and as you about any conditions you have that may be causing your condition. Then the doctor will conduct a physical exam. Radiological studies may be used to establish or confirm a diagnosis.

Jersey City Medical Center's Aortic program is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. For information, call 201-915-2672.